Microscopes

Cleaning and Caring for the 40x Objective on your microscope.

2011-07-22T09:31:00.000-07:00

The 40x : Microscope Objective - Troubleshooting Poor Image Quality This seems simple, but it happens more often than one would imagine. Make sure the specimen slide has the cover slip side UP. If you have the specimen facing down, the working distance will not be enough to focus THROUGH the glass slide to the specimen UNDERNEATH. The typical working distance of a 40x Objective is

Koehler Lighting in Microscopes - What is it and is it necessary?

2011-07-08T12:39:00.000-07:00

Q: What is Koehler Illumination? I keep hearing this term in the reference to compound microscopes. A: Most modern compound microscopes prior to 2011 use halogen or tungsten lamps as a source of illumination in the base of the microscope. That lamp contains a tiny wire inside used to complete the electrical circuit and illuminate the lamp. That wire is referred to as a "filament". That thin

Numerical Aperture - N.A.

2010-12-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

In microscopy Numerical Aperture measures the ability of an objective to gather light. The higher the numerical aperture (NA), the more light can be collected by the lens in the microscope objective. This results in a better resolution and a higher intensity image. A high numerical aperture also allows for greater field of depth and a better overall image. Numerical Aperture in a high quality

Micrometers and Reticles for the Microscope

2010-12-10T09:39:00.000-08:00

In microscopy, micrometers (also refered to as reticles) are used to measure and or count specimens or portions of specimens. A straight line reticle is used to measure the length of a specimen under observation with microscope. There are two types of micrometers for straight line measurements. The most common type, and preferred type is an eyepiece reticle. The less common type is a stage

Veterinary Microscope - Best in Class?

2010-12-08T09:29:00.000-08:00

Veterinary Microscope of the Year....and the winner is.... The Labomed LX400 is a surprisingly popular choice amongst veterinary clinics due to its affordable pricing and high quality features geared towards veterinarians. The Labomed uses infinity objectives, which allows it to be fully upgradeable. The durable stand and construction make it a favorable choice for high volume multi user labs

Optical Abberations in Microscopy with regards to Objectives.

2010-12-06T19:02:00.000-08:00

What is an aberration? In microscopy we often hear that engineering has been used to correct for "aberrations". To understand this, we must first understand what an aberration is as it relates to optics. An optical aberration is any disturbance of the rays of a pencil of light such that they can no longer be brought to a sharp focus or form a clear image at the tip of that cone shaped pencil

10 Steps to Using your Microscope in the Lab

2010-10-12T13:24:00.000-07:00

10 Steps for Lab Microscope Personel These ten steps allow for lab technicians to achieve the perfect image each time. 1) Turn the power to your microscope on so that the lamp illuminates. 2) Raise the condenser to the uppermost position 3) Open the field diaphragm and aperture diaphragm. 4) Move the 10x objective into the optical path. 5) Move your stage to bring your prepared specimen into

Oil Immersion Operation

2009-11-15T17:49:00.000-08:00

Objectives marked "Oil" are oil immersion type objectives (Typically these come in 50x and 100x). Objectives of this type require immersion oil to be applied between the specimen and the tip of the objective. Air bubbles in the immersion oil will decrease image quality. Thus, it is important to keep these bubbles from forming during specimen preparation. To check for air bubbles follow these

Flourescent Microscopy

2009-09-16T18:21:00.000-07:00

Fluorescent Microscopy is my favorite type of microscopy. The use of stains and dyes to isolate particular specimen characteristics makes for some beautiful slides. These images were taken with a DK3000 microscopy camera on a Nikon 50i fluorescent microscope. Feel free to add your favorite images from your fluorescent microscopy image captures.

Microscope Objectives- Who has the edge in quality?

2009-06-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

The big three in the microscope industry (Nikon, Olympus, and Leica)are highly competitive and all make excellent microscopes for both the clinical and research level laboratories.Nikon however employs CFI60 lenses which generally have higher N.A.s and longer working distances than comparable infinity objectives from other manufacturers. The CFI160 microscope objectives provide increased

The Best Laboratory Microscope for under $2,000.00 - Nikon Eclipse 200

2009-06-21T14:46:00.000-07:00

I'm often asked my opinion of which clinical level laboratory microscope is the best for the laboratory who's chief concern is budget. I've tried to determine which microscope provides the most quality for a budget of under $2,000.00